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Over 600 Holstein enthusiasts congregated in Ontario as Holstein Canada’s National Holstein Convention and 134th Annual General Meeting was held April 5-8, 2017 in York Region. The volunteer organizing committee, led by Co-Chairs Sandy O’Hara and Brad Hulshof, did a fantastic job of ensuring the convention attendees “experienced the city lights” as promised during their stay in “Moo York”.

Farm Tours, Sale, Show & Festivities

Convention participants were welcomed by 14 Holstein families who opened their barn doors for farm tour day to showcase their herds and operations. Along with seeing great cows and well-managed operations, tour participants were impressed by the York Region hospitality, including the tractor tow service that rescued one of the buses during the wintery weather. Participants made the trip to Stratford to check out the latest and greatest in service and technology at Canadian Dairy Xpo, while both the Ontario Spring Discovery Show and Taste of Ontario Sale were great successes. Throughout the week, convention participants were treated to a wide variety of York Region inspired events, socializing, food and entertainment, including a private concert by The James Barker Band at the Bull Pen Sports Bar.

Annual General Meeting

The 134th Holstein Canada Annual General Meeting (AGM) was extremely well-attended in Richmond Hill. Reports from the outgoing President Robert Chabot and CEO Ann Louise Carson were presented, along with the financial report and 2017 budget, and updates from the Classification and Show Committees. 10 member resolutions were presented, including one resolution that came from the floor. Of the 10 resolutions, eight were passed and two defeated. Special guests who addressed the members included DFC Executive member Ian Harrop who highlighted the close relationship between Holstein Canada and DFC, especially in the field of proAction® cattle assessments.

Those in attendance celebrated the Century of Holstein award presentations made to two families recognized for 100 years of continuous membership with Holstein Canada: the Innes family (CITYVIEW), Woodstock, Ont.; and the Carmichael family (MEDWAY), Ilderton, Ont. Two distinguished certificates were also presented at this year’s meeting. Albert Cormier of Orton, Ont. was presented with a Certificate of Superior Accomplishment, while Steve Dolson of Atwood, Ont. received a Certificate of Recognition. Association Education awards were also recognized by the participants with winner Taylor Nelson accepting the award on behalf of the six recipients.

2016 Cow of the Year Announced

Earning the 2016 title of Cow of the Year was Kingsway Terrason Allie. Bred by Kingsway Farms of Hastings, Ont., breeder and co-owner Gord McMillan was on-hand to accept the award.

Orville Schmidt Elected New President for 2017-2018

Following the AGM, the Holstein Canada Board of Directors elected Orville Schmidt of Rollyview, Alta. (SOUTHRISE) as the 2017-2018 Holstein Canada President. Orville will be supported by 1st Vice-President, Harry Van der Linden of Antigonish, N.S. (LINDENRIGHT) with Gerald Schipper of Aylmer, Ont. (SKIPWELL) selected to fill the 2nd Vice-President position.

Master Breeders Celebrated

To conclude a fantastic week in Ontario, a wonderful evening with all of the promised glitz & glam was held to celebrate and honour the achievements of the 2016 Master Breeders. New this year, a video from each of the winning herds was presented during the ceremony. Congratulations again to the families and individuals who received their Master Breeder shield in 2016!

2018 Convention plans underway

The crowd at the AGM was treated to an entertaining video as the 2018 Convention committee made their official invitation for Holstein enthusiasts to attend the 2018 National Holstein Convention, which will be held from April 10-14, 2018 in Quebec City. Look forward to seeing more details as the final 2018 Convention schedule is set and website is launched in the fall of 2017.

2016 Annual Report Available to all Members

For those Holstein Canada members interested in receiving a FREE copy of the 2016 Annual Report, please contact Jennifer Kyle at jkyle@holstein.ca or by calling 1-855-756-8300 ext. 234. Alternatively, the Annual Report can be found online on Holstein Canada’s website by clicking here or visiting www.holstein.ca.

For a more detailed recap of the 2017 National Holstein Convention and AGM, watch for the July-August issue of InfoHolstein. Photos are also currently posted on Holstein Canada social media channels.